US condemns use of violence against Iraq protesters

The US embassy in Baghdad has condemned the â€œkilling and abduction of unarmed protesters and threats to freedom of expression,â€Â Anadolu AgencyÂ reported.

In a statement yesterday, the embassy said that the United States â€œhas a strong and abiding interest in a secure and prosperous Iraq able to defend the nation against violent extremist groups and able to deter those who would undermine Iraqi sovereignty and democracy.â€

â€œAs the world watches events in Iraq unfold it is increasingly clear that the Government of Iraq and the countryâ€™s political leaders must engage seriously and urgently with Iraqi citizens who are demanding reform. There is no path forward based on suppression of the will of the Iraqi people,â€ it said.

The embassy concluded its statement by stressing that the Iraqi people â€œmust be free to make their own choices about the future of their nation.â€

Since 25 October, Iraq has witnessed clashes between security forces and protesters during which at least 275 people have been killed and thousands more wounded.